If your freshman is experiencing homesickness, they are certainly not alone in this regard. As per the most longstanding and extensive survey conducted on college freshmen, around 30% of all students and 70% of first-year students acknowledge feelings of loneliness or homesickness.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help college freshmen and parents with tips to combat homesickness, an emotion that can be both daunting and debilitating. Rooted in the transition from familiar high school settings to the relatively uncharted territory of college, homesickness has been a common experience among college freshmen over the decades. Historical data, although not specifically quantified, reveals a long-standing struggle with homesickness among students, reflecting a need for coping mechanisms. Here are some tips to help freshman when they are homesick.
1. Get involved in school activities:
The initial days of the freshman year serve as a fertile ground for sowing seeds of involvement in various campus activities, ranging from clubs, religious groups, to other organizations. This period, distinct from the high school era, offers a platform for reinvention and exploration. Over the years, involvement in extracurricular activities has been seen as a potent remedy for homesickness, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement.
2. Get used to the surroundings:
Stepping out of the dorms to explore the campus, attending events, and acquainting oneself with libraries and other facilities is an age-old advice. The process of making the unfamiliar familiar is a significant step towards alleviating feelings of homesickness, making the new environment feel like home.
3. Realistic Perception of Social Media:
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram can present a skewed reality. The digital age has brought about a new dimension to homesickness where online portrayals by high school friends may exacerbate feelings of missing out. Understanding that social media doesn’t depict the full spectrum of anyone’s experience is crucial.
4. Encouraging Communication:
Freshman year presents a unique opportunity where initiating conversations with strangers is less daunting. This window of opportunity for easy social interaction is fleeting, yet essential for forming new bonds, a practice that has proven to be beneficial through generations.
5. Seeking Comfort in Familiar Activities:
Engaging in comforting activities, be it running, listening to music, or watching movies, is a timeless advice. Finding solace in such activities can provide a sense of normalcy amidst the whirlwind of new experiences.
6. Maintaining Family Connections:
The act of reaching out to family when in need of emotional support has been a common practice. The provision of a sympathetic ear rather than solutions has been a recommended approach for parents, a practice rooted in empathy and understanding.
7. Broadening the Support Network:
Reaching out to close friends, supportive relatives, or even school teachers for reassurance has been a tradition. The wider the support network, the better the coping mechanism for homesickness.
8. Small Rewards:
At times, a small reward or a piece of retail therapy can serve as a morale booster. This simple act of self-compassion, although may appear trivial, has historical precedence in providing a momentary escape from homesickness.
9. Fostering New Relationships:
Reminding freshmen of the potential for forming lasting relationships in college, much like they did in high school, serves as a motivation to embrace the new phase. Over time, this perspective has helped transform dread into excitement, making the college experience enriching.
10. Seek Professional Support if Necessary:
If homesickness hampers daily functioning, seeking support from campus mental health resources is advisable. Over the years, colleges have developed robust support systems to assist students in overcoming challenges like homesickness.
Overcoming homesickness is a gradual process that requires a blend of patience, effort, and the right support. By following these tips, college freshmen can significantly alleviate feelings of homesickness, paving the way for an enriching and enjoyable college experience. Through the lens of history, it’s evident that with the right approach, the phase of homesickness is surmountable, opening doors to personal growth and lasting friendships.
